Was germany to blame for WWI?

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Was Germany to Blame for World War One?

Germany surrendered on the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month of 1918. Although Germany was not defeated on the battlefield, its civilians were starving, its troops were demoralized, and the Generals saw no chance of victory. The peace negotiations were held at Versailles in France. When the Treaty of Versailles was written up, Clause 231 stated: “The Allied governments affirm, and Germany accepts, the responsibility of Germany and her allies for causing all the loss and damage to which the Allied governments and their peoples have been subjected as a result of the war.” Germany was guilty for causing the war. But although Germany was forced to sign the Treaty of Versailles, it refused to accept the blame. Historians have argued about this issue ever since. Was Germany really guilty for causing WWI? Would the war have happened without Kaiser Wilhelm II’s aggressive foreign policy? Or were there many other causes and countries who share the blame for the war? This essay will analyze the extent of Germany’s responsibility in the outbreak of World War One.

There is no doubt that the rising power of Germany and personality of the Kaiser caused concern throughout Europe in the years leading up to 1914. But the rising power of Germany and the Kaiser’s personality wasn’t a reason for accusing Germany of starting the war. The rising power of Germany was due to the case that they where the second country in the world with economical power and they also wanted overseas colonies. And lets think who started the war, was it Germany? No, it was Serbia who started the war when a Serbian terrorist killed Franz Ferdinand. Off course Austria Hungary had to defend itself so they attacked Serbia and Germany, as a good ally supported Austria Hungary as the Triple Entente supported Serbia so why are we blaming Germany for the outbreak of the war? If they had the most powerful army in the world was to use it, and they just supported Austria Hungary. Also the personality of one person can’t be the reason for the outbreak of a World War. So, from my point of view Germany shouldn’t have been blamed because it was everyone’s fault, not only Germany’s.

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The main cause of tension between Germany and Great Britain was over the navy. Germany wanted to increase its power by gaining overseas colonies and that is why they built such a great navy, to defend its colonies. Great Britain felt threatened by Germany and they increased their navy. But from my point of view Britain did this because of pride and not because they really felt threatened. An arms race can’t be a reason for blaming Germany, although they were increasing their navy, many European countries also improved their armies, not only Great Britain and Germany. So why ...

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